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Bethlehem area man combines love of wind instruments and dental care

Bethlehem area man combines love of wind instruments and dental care

Dr. Thomas Lambert holds a saxophone Friday in his Bethlehem Township, Pa., office. Lambert said combining his knowledge of woodwind playing and dentistry allows to offer a service unique to his practice.
(Express-Times Photo | SUE BEYER)

As a dentist, Bethlehem resident Thomas Lambert is used to friends and family coming up to him with their mouths open looking for an opinion.

It can be especially true of his colleagues in the three local bands in which he plays. The director of the American Legion Band of Bethlehem always introduces him as a dentist when he performs his clarinet solos.

"People are always coming up to me before and after rehearsals with dental problems," Lambert said.

The Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania-based dentist considers himself an expert in musicians' dental needs. Dental problems are especially troubling for wind instrument musicians who rely on their mouths to make their instruments work.

"The types of problems that musicians have, it's very difficult for them to explain to a dental professional," Lambert said. "When say a trumpet player is having a problem, they may describe it in a way only another trumpet player understands."

Lambert, who has been a practicing dentist since 1988, said his musical expertise comes in especially handy for patients who need crowns or bridges. While most patients can get a standard crown or bridge, musicians often need many adjustments to make sure their playing ability isn't affected, Lambert said.

"The laboratory is going to make it for the average patient, not a musician," he said. "As little as a few tenths of a millimeter or a few hairs even can make a difference for a musician."

A professional trumpet player, for example, needed several adjustments to his temporary bridge before his playing ability was no longer affected and prior to being sent out for a permanent mold, Lambert said. An oboe player who grinds his teeth was greatly helped when Lambert re-bonded his front teeth, he said.

Lambert, 54, who has played both the clarinet and saxophone since elementary school, said he also can help wind instrument musicians who suffer from muscle tears in their mouths from overuse. Those injuries sometimes require oral surgery but Lambert said if he sees a patient early enough, he can recommend physical therapy techniques.

Lambert picked up on the physical therapy and bridge and crown adjustments through 26 years of working with musicians.

"You don't receive training in embouchure or playing wind instruments at dental school," he said.

Lambert knows a few other dentist musicians — including an Allentown dentist who plays the trumpet — but some like to mix their hobbies and professions while others don't. Lambert, who also plays in the Easton Municipal Concert Band and the Lehigh Valley Italian-American Band, said he finds it very enjoyable.

"It's a perfect match for me — I love dentistry and I love music," Lambert said. "I feel I can help other musicians."